70's and 80's modernized superbikes

I have become enamored with modernized versions of classic 80's ujms. gs1000's, kz1000's, cb1100's with gixxer, zx, and cbrr swingarm and forks, ohlins shocks and modern wide tires ... check Bull Dock or Sanctuary custom shops for pretty incredible builds of the classics.

Something so cool about the simple air cooled beasts with steel frames and bikini fairings. Modern street fighters are for the most part way too swoopy for me, except the speed triple and the monsters. I guess the xr1200 is close, but I just can't drink that cool aid...if harley put the helicon in it, then maybe... but I digress...

They're kind of the ultimate extension of the UJM superbikes back in the day that had to be built, not bought.
The one thing that does become obvious real quick once you bolt on modern suspenders is how much chassis technology has improved

I begged rides on two 1150's back in the day. One "E", one "ES". And I owned an '83 GS1100E and an '82 GS1000SZ Kat. I still have a soft spot for them, but they are rather crude. I bought a new 1986 GSXR1100 and it was immeasurably better.

I have become enamored with modernized versions of classic 80's ujms. gs1000's, kz1000's, cb1100's with gixxer, zx, and cbrr swingarm and forks, ohlins shocks and modern wide tires ... check Bull Dock or Sanctuary custom shops for pretty incredible builds of the classics.

Something so cool about the simple air cooled beasts with steel frames and bikini fairings. Modern street fighters are for the most part way too swoopy for me, except the speed triple and the monsters. I guess the xr1200 is close, but I just can't drink that cool aid...if harley put the helicon in it, then maybe... but I digress...

anyone else like modernized 70's and 80's superbikes?

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I have an 82 GS1100EZ...prepping running gear from a "2nd gen" (2001-2006) Bandit 1200 for infusion onto the GS. Triples, forks, brakes, rims and swingarm. Swingarm will be machined to fit the GS's frame, and spools welded to accept dual shocks in the rear.

The triples will be machined to accept the GS steering stem. I won't do any mods that require modding the GS's frame permanently. I'd like to be able to return to stock if needed for some reason.

I had it set up with first generation ('88) GSXR1100 running gear, clip ons included. It was a straight bolt on experience. Rear rim fit into the stock swingarm no prob. I did switch to a 530 chain from a 630. What a difference in handling and braking! The Bandit set up should be better, though, since the forks are cartridge type, as opposed to the damper rod forks of the early GSXR's. Can't wait to get her back together!

Here she was with the GSXR set up. Actually quite comfy on the highway like this...

A friend GAVE me the 4 into 1 header, and got a blemished peice from Dale Walker @ Holeshot.com, and that alone dropped the wieght of the bike by nearly 30 lbs. I have never been so happy to have a stock exhaust system (4 into 2) bite the dust I also score a set of original Mikuni VM33 smoothbores for it as well. According to the manual, they are good for 10-12% increase in HP (?!), and 3-5mpg increase in economy (IF you keep out of the throttle...fat chance there!).

I heard a rumor that BMW was thinking about a modernized version of the R90S. I would really love to see that! I agree about the "styling" of the current crop of available street bikes. A bit too sharp and angular and they all look like props for the Transformer movies. Of course, I think a round headlight improves any bike.

But, I give a big thumbs up to any manufacturer thinking to enter the modern classic market. They're less money than the originals are fetching, these days.
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As mentioned, the frame is the problem.
Installing new stuff front and rear is just window dressing.

I'd like to see an industry pop up (a small one) the way the chopper industry did. Take your engine and buy their frame and suspenders, and go do what you do with it.

For example, a CAD designed frame for a SOHC Honda 750 along the lines of a sporting bike would be "nathtee" to quote the ladies man Leon Phelps.

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You mean people like Harris doing frame kits for old engines?

Tempting but it's generally cheaper buying & sorting an old Harris than it is to buy a new Harris kit & build it from scratch. It's a shame Specials went bust - for a while they were doing replica Z1 frames in modern lightweight tubing: looked identical to the original but much lighter & more rigid.

Given the number of places that have enough of a market to put old school go faster bits back into production, it wouldn't surprise if someone like Saxon, P&M or Rickman got back into the frame kit game.